I Have Noted - Prabhupāda's Meticulous Care for His Spiritual Family
When Śrīla Prabhupāda wrote, "I have noted," he revealed his profound attentiveness to every detail of his global Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. As the spiritual father of thousands of young men and women, his correspondence was the vital link that kept the worldwide society united, inspired, and protected. He didn't just read his disciples' letters; he deeply absorbed their successes, their struggles, their plans, and their questions. He noted with immense joy the ever-increasing distribution of his books, the cooperative spirit among temple leaders, and the sincere chanting of his followers. Conversely, his sharp, managerial eye also noted printing mistakes, financial discrepancies, and interpersonal conflicts, addressing each issue with practical wisdom and undeniable love. By examining what Śrīla Prabhupāda noted, we gain a direct, intimate look at his heart, seeing exactly what pleased him the most and what he considered essential for the survival and expansion of his glorious mission.
Enlivened by Preaching and Book Distribution
Śrīla Prabhupāda constantly monitored the pulse of the movement—book distribution. He was overwhelmingly joyful whenever he noted an increase in the printing, selling, and distribution of Kṛṣṇa conscious literature. To him, this was the ultimate proof of his disciples' sincerity and the most effective way to bless the world.
- I am also glad to note that you are distributing the books in increasing numbers. We want that our book distribution should be increased more and more in the coming year.
- I am very glad to note of how you are increasing the "Back To Godhead" distribution there in such a remote place. Our "Back To Godhead" is the backbone of our movement so we should always be thinking how to increase it increase it increase it.
- I am very much encouraged to note how you have increased the book distribution and are becoming No. 1 distributer in the world. We have published Caitanya Caritamrta so you can order this nice new book from New York.
- I note that you have returned from another successful preaching mission in distant parts of Africa. I am always so much pleased to hear such good news how the traveling preachers are spreading this Krsna consciousness movement to every nook and corner of the world.
The Necessity of Spiritual Strength and Cooperation
Śrīla Prabhupāda understood that to preach successfully, the devotees must be internally strong and externally united. He consistently noted and praised those who strictly followed the regulative principles, chanted their sixteen rounds, and worked cooperatively with others, warning that without these foundations, the movement could not stand.
- I am so glad to note that you are strictly following the regulative principles of devotional life and regularly chanting 16 rounds of beads daily. Continue faithfully, because such chanting of Hare Krishna Mantra is our very strength in spiritual life.
- I am very glad to note that you are now realizing that without executing the regular routine work of spiritual life nobody can grow spiritual strength and without spiritual strength nobody can preach the Krsna Consciousness Movement.
- I am very glad to note that you are seeing that the devotees are maintaining the devotional practices. This is the secret to success. Therefore I am stressing it.
- I am glad to note that Pittsburgh temple management is going on nicely. This is wanted. We want cooperation. Why there should be non cooperation between ourselves. That is not good.
A Meticulous Eye for Details and Standards
As the leader of a vast, international society, Śrīla Prabhupāda’s administrative vigilance was unparalleled. He noted financial irregularities, corrected printing proofs, and demanded that the highest standards be maintained in everything from Deity worship to publishing, knowing that carelessness would ruin the movement's reputation.
- I note that for the new printing of the abridged Gita, Dia Nippon, there were mistakes. Why there should be mistakes? Mistakes makes the book useless. You must be very, very careful. It will be detrimental to the sales.
- I have received the color proofs for the books and have noted that it is not as good as the foreign printing. It is missing the luster, but it is not bad.
- I have noted that in July there were so many deposits. Why in August, September there were not so many deposits? Please explain.
- I have already written you one letter of thanks for your taking care of the Vrindaban temple. I note that you are reducing the expenses, but why did the Treasurer leave? Even if you restricted the spending, then why did he leave?
Fatherly Care for Individual Devotees
Despite managing thousands of devotees and millions of dollars, Śrīla Prabhupāda always took the time to address the personal struggles, desires, and spiritual questions of individual disciples. He noted their inner battles and offered the perfect, practical solution: to take tight shelter of Kṛṣṇa and the Holy Name.
- Regarding your enemy, Mr. Lust: I have noted the difficulties, but we should always remember that Krishna is stronger than any demon, and Mr. Lust, or his father or his grandfather, nobody can do anything provided we take shelter of Krishna very tightly.
- I have noted your problems. My suggestion is that you please chant Hare Krishna Hare Krishna. This maha mantra cleanses the dust from the mirror of the mind and awakens us to a pure life of devotional service to the Lord, free from all anxieties.
- I am pleased to note that you are asking very intelligent questions. That is natural position for the neophyte devotee who is sincerely seeking to understand what is the Absolute Truth.
- I am very glad to note your humble attitude, so keep this nice state of serving mood and your success is guaranteed in Krsna Consciousness.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s letters are a testament to his unending, meticulous love. By seeing what he noted, we understand exactly what it takes to please him and to successfully manage and expand the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. He celebrated the victories of saṅkīrtana, demanded the highest standards of spiritual practice and practical management, and personally carried the burdens of his disciples' struggles. He was the perfect general leading a worldwide army, yet he was also the perfect father, holding the hand of each individual devotee. To read what Śrīla Prabhupāda noted is to feel his personal presence, his profound encouragement, and his unwavering demand for purity and dedication in the service of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu.
Dive Deeper into Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives eternally within his instructions. This article is a loving summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category I Have Noted (Prabhupada). We enthusiastically invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation, immerse yourself in his mercy, and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.